UX Design Glossary: How to Use Affordances in User Interfaces

We usually rely on a mix of spatial memory and well-written labels to find what we need in this kind of interface. But that only goes so far. At some point, we have to find ways to help users navigate apps outside of graphical menu bars, mystery icons in toolbars, and tabbed settings panels.

Many people find affordances difficult to understand because they are relationships, not properties.

Affordances determine what actions are possible. Signifiers communicate where the action should take place. We need both.